PCG calls Chinese maneuvers ‘unlawful, aggressive’

Metro Manila, Philippines – Vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) faced “unlawful and aggressive” maneuvers from Chinese counterparts in the West Philippine Sea, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said on Monday, Aug. 19.

The task force said BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) were bound for Patag and Lawak Islands in the West Philippine Sea to deliver supplies to the personnel stationed there.

China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, however, conducted “illegal” maneuvers that caused multiple collisions and damage to the PCG vessels.

“At approximately 3:24 AM, while navigating about 23.01 nautical miles southeast of Escoda Shoal, BRP Cape Engaño was subjected to aggressive maneuvers by CCGV-3104. This resulted in a collision with the starboard beam of the vessel, creating a hole on the deck with an approximate diameter of 5 inches,” the task force reported in a statement.

“Shortly after, at 3:40 AM, BRP Bagacay approximately 21.3 nautical miles southeast of Escoda Shoal—was rammed twice on both her port and starboard sides by CCGV 21551, leading to minor structural damage,” it added.

Both Philippine vessels committed to push through with the supply delivery.

‘Control measures’

Meanwhile, the CCG said it took control measures as the Philippine vessels “illegally entered” the waters near Xianbin Reef in Nansha Islands without Beijing’s permission.

“The Philippine ship No. 4410 ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings and deliberately collided with China’s 21551 boat, which was in a normal law enforcement and protection of rights, in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a collision,” the CCG said, adding that the responsibility is with the Philippines.

“We warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise all the consequences arising from this will be borne by the Philippines,” it added.

Beijing has sweeping claims in the South China Sea, including the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

In 2016, an arbitral tribunal invalidated this and upheld the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea. China has not recognized the ruling.

The Philippines has pushed for observing rules such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to avoid further tensions.